Disparity of Attitudes and Practices on a Concept of Productivity of Water in Agriculture in the Great Ruaha River Sub-basin

A study was conducted in the Ruaha River Sub-basin of the Rufiji basin to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices in measuring productivity among stakeholders. Literature review, Participatory Rural Appraisals and structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the study area. There is a lack of general understanding and a wide disparity in practices related to the concept of productivity of water. The concept of productivity of water is poorly understood, with inconsistent and incomplete monitoring, reporting and auditing among stakeholders. Policy makers emphasize water conservation incentives and development projects work towards improving supply management. Engineers ’ practices combine water supply and demand management in irrigation schemes with little consideration for the productivity of water. Researchers put emphasis on modelling water allocation based on water demand. Smallholder farmers apply their own definitions and descriptions, and assess productivity using relative terms and proxies. Most other stakeholders fix absolute values on the productivity of water. This results in a lack of realistic analyses of water requirements and water values in various water sectors for fostering and implementing strategies for improved water allocation. Necessary components in the estimation of productivity of water are measured with spatial and temporal inconsistency. Furthermore, the nature of this disparity in attitudes and practices calls for a considerable effort to initiate dialogue among stakeholders so as to reach a consensus and develop the practice further